Alone Abroad, Scammed & Struggling – Please Support

Hi everyone,

I'm starting this fundraiser for a dear friend who recently fell victim to a terrifying immigration scam here in the U.S. She’s an international student who just graduated after years of hard work, and what should have been a hopeful new chapter has turned into one of fear, loss, and financial distress.

A few weeks ago, she received a call from someone pretending to be an officer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They claimed there was a mistake with her immigration documents and that she would be arrested and deported unless she followed urgent instructions. While on the call, she was also contacted by someone pretending to be from the local police department, making the entire situation feel painfully real.

They cited legal documents, made her read through official-looking resources from government websites, and told her that her only option was to post a refundable bond to avoid arrest. With the Trump administration acting strictly on immigrants and knowing what is happening with students recently, out of fear and confusion — and with no one nearby to turn to, she followed their instructions. They demanded she purchase Apple card deposits, multiple gift cards, total worth $5000, claiming it was part of the legal bond process. Moments after giving them the card numbers, they disappeared. That money was gone.

She later filed a police report and learned it was all a scam — one designed to prey on new, vulnerable immigrants unfamiliar with U.S. systems.

But the financial loss is just part of the story.

She’s alone in this country. She has no family here, no strong support system, and is now trying to balance rent, repaying a massive student loan, and the emotional toll of this traumatic experience.

She’s overwhelmed and devastated — not just by what happened, but by how easily it could happen again to someone else. She wants her story to be a warning, but also a call for kindness.

We’re hoping to raise $5,000 to help her cover:-

No amount is too small. If you can give $5, $10, or share this story, that would mean the world.

Thank you for reading and for helping someone who never thought she’d be in this position, so far from home, asking for help.